Optimise the performance of a recreational personal hovering/flying craft using advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)  techniques

This project aims to optimise various aspects of the geometry of a next generation recreational craft that uses an innovative aerodynamic lifting process to achieve the performance suitable for the extreme sports customer.

Primary objectives would include:
1. review the existing aerodynamic analysis that has been carried out to date
2. Identify key aspects of the geometry that generate the larger aerodynamic forces and couples applied to this craft in flight.
3. Design and execute a parametric investigation of the important geometric variables in order to optimize the overall force generation, stability and responsiveness of the whole craft.
4. Design and execute a parametric investigation of the important external variables such as ground surface detail, operating height and wind gradients to estimate the likely effect on the craft and suggest modifications as needed.

Validate the performance of a recreational personal hovering/flying craft using a scaled model.

This  project explores the application of an innovative aerodynamic lifting process to a next generation recreational craft using an appropriately scaled tethered model.

Primary objectives would include:
1. review the existing full sized geometry and a general aerodynamic analysis that has been carried out do date;
2. develop scaling rules and design a suitable functional small 1/5 scale model;
3. source any needed  hardware, construct the components and assemble the functional model;
4. test and report findings with particular emphasis on the lift, thrust and stability performance.

Students will work in two groups of 3 for each of these two projects.

 During the semester, students should plan to put aside a total of one day per week for these projects.

Students would be required to spend extra 3 weeks after their exams so they can work on these projects on full time basis and wind up the projects as much as they can.

Students will be required to do some background research work on shortwave infrared spectral analysis during the semester and gain an understanding of the technique using the "PIMA" equipment.

Students will spend 3 weeks on-site after their exams (last 2 weeks in November + first week in December). If exams do finish earlier, they can go on-site earlier. While on site, they will collect and analyse samples, process the signals using the CSIRO software and more importantly, interpetating the results and writing the report. This work will be most closely related to ore deposits / exploration and economic geology.

Two students are required. Students should have a drivers'  license.  The company will provide plane tickets and accommodation in Kambalda.  Students will be required to complete a safety training course in Perth (one day) prior to going on site.

See here for more information.  A team of 4 Notre Dame engineering students is required to work alongside  two local students. They can be any discipline as long as they have an interest in aircraft.

Costs will be for taxi fares to and from the hangar and airfield. If they go flying, it will cost $100 per head. Existing fund can cover these.

These students will do the work during the normal semester time and no extra stay is needed.

See here for more information, as well as http://rev.ee.uwa.edu.au/about.html. We can easily take on at least 8 Notre Dame engineering students for this project since right now we are beginning the construction phase of the car.

Students should not mind getting their hands dirty! They will work alongside UWA students.

They are expected to put aside at least one day per week and more during the mid-semester break for this project involvement.

 Construction is done on campus.